Best set up if you ask me. Large external monitor, with a keyboard and mouse, but still portable, and only one machine, so I don't have to deal with keeping my code or environment in sync.
I keep a screen open on a Slicehost server and do all my development there. Even if I visit a friend and don't bring my laptop I'd download PuTTY and feel at home.
I do something similar, largely because enough of the stuff we do requires two-way interaction with other services that I need a public IP for callbacks, etc.
Sucks when you have flaky connectivity, though, and I've been gradually investing in stubbing out other services so I can "run" them locally/offline.
I also prefer a desktop so I can use more than 2 screens (my current config is 4, although the 4th is "just because"--3 is really helpful).
I've got a macbook on my desk, and a massive linux box under it, which I shell into to do all my work. So the mac is essentially a (very smart) dumb terminal. Best of both worlds, I'd say. Plus the desktop makes for a great ottoman.
Most of the time I only need SSH into a server to do any dev. I have the idea that an iPhone attached to an external screen (via its dock -- there seems to be a cable for that) and a Bluetooth keyboard will probably be cool.
4 years with nothing but a Dell 15.4" laptop left me loving simple tools like vim.
Finally wanted more screen realestate and a better body position, so dropped some money on a really nice system with dual 24" monitors.
Could have done the docking station, but instead went with a desktop + an eeepc. eeepc is great!
I highly recommend to anyone doing web development to have a full desktop + a tiny laptop. The netbook lets you realize how painful your app is on a slow, tiny screened computer!
I used to be exclusively desktop for years - liked the power, liked the larger screens. In the last year I've moved to laptop (about 90% anyway). It all started when I went to NY for a 3 month stint and I haven't looked back since.
I have a 13inch MacBook Pro but primarily use Ubuntu for development (don't ask why). I find the screen pretty good for coffee shop programming and when I'm actually at my desk I'm plugged into a nice 24inch monitor. Works great for me.
Desktop all the way. Used to be laptop, but the large code base, the huge amount of files, and the memory/CPU in use by the compilation of this app would make laptops scary. Yes I understand there are better ways, but this place has seemed to use the hardware is cheaper approach to getting things done.
We're quad-quad-cores with 8gig of ram here. Tough to beat that power on a laptop. When I need to work from home I ssh/NXClient in..
I so envy that display. Wish there were monitors <24" with similar pixel density, or that the 13" MBP had a similar screen. That would mean 1500x950. Makes a big difference.
Similar situation. I got my macbook on the left for skype, videoconferencing.
Then I got a Core II Duo 2.4 Ghz Dell running WS 2008 (fantastic OS I say) ... and with dual 24" and 19" monitors. I use synergy to mouse and keyboard across all.
The entire Dev and Prod environments are faraway linux boxen so technically I can do everything remotely.
Occasionally I take the laptop and stand by the window, where a platform serves as my "standing desk"
At work - desktop (two screens have their advantages).
Otherwise - laptop... Strangely the best code I've written / I work quickest on a laptop in travel (on a bus / train / plane...) I guess I just get rid of all distractions and working there is actually better than any alternative :)
I used to use a MBP + screen to develop with, but found the relatively anemic power, lack of expandability and screen mismatch annoying. (not to mention the constant unplugging/plugging in) I like my desktop quad core + dual screens & x5 HD space much better now.
initial concept is pen and paper while out of office usually (i.e beach or cafe or somewhere casual)
Develop concept and initial code is usually on laptop
Final development and refinement on desktop
I used to like the laptop, but with big screens and better processing power, desktops have become attractive again (I do have a laptop at home though, that I use for developing personnal stuff and occasionaly for work).
I have a great MBP, but the Sun Ultra24 running Ubuntu 9.10 is just speedy. Add multiple 24" monitors and it's nice enough to get me to drive every day to it. (and yes, I (still) work for Sun.)
[+] [-] castis|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] Oompa|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] andr|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] stgarrity|16 years ago|reply
Sucks when you have flaky connectivity, though, and I've been gradually investing in stubbing out other services so I can "run" them locally/offline.
I also prefer a desktop so I can use more than 2 screens (my current config is 4, although the 4th is "just because"--3 is really helpful).
[+] [-] lg|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] sganesh|16 years ago|reply
Laptops - Dual boot XPS 13 , Macbook Pro 13
Cloud - Windows Azure, AWS
Windows Home Server - Backup
[+] [-] aidenn0|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] thetrumanshow|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] drRoflol|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] riobard|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] drobilla|16 years ago|reply
When laptops with 4 cores are common, 8 will probably be a cheap upgrade for the desktop, and then I won't be able to live without 8 cores :)
[+] [-] jam|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] cullenking|16 years ago|reply
Finally wanted more screen realestate and a better body position, so dropped some money on a really nice system with dual 24" monitors.
Could have done the docking station, but instead went with a desktop + an eeepc. eeepc is great!
I highly recommend to anyone doing web development to have a full desktop + a tiny laptop. The netbook lets you realize how painful your app is on a slow, tiny screened computer!
[+] [-] petesalty|16 years ago|reply
I have a 13inch MacBook Pro but primarily use Ubuntu for development (don't ask why). I find the screen pretty good for coffee shop programming and when I'm actually at my desk I'm plugged into a nice 24inch monitor. Works great for me.
[+] [-] shelfoo|16 years ago|reply
We're quad-quad-cores with 8gig of ram here. Tough to beat that power on a laptop. When I need to work from home I ssh/NXClient in..
[+] [-] andreyf|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] mdemare|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] wglb|16 years ago|reply
But main system is 8 gig dual core ubuntu with 20" monitor, and second desktop with 20" monitor. Main desktop (athalon 64) has nice zip to it.
As someone else said, the main thing is the keyboard. I have the kenesis to reduce serious fatigue. I can't type long on anything else.
[+] [-] ninjaa|16 years ago|reply
Then I got a Core II Duo 2.4 Ghz Dell running WS 2008 (fantastic OS I say) ... and with dual 24" and 19" monitors. I use synergy to mouse and keyboard across all.
The entire Dev and Prod environments are faraway linux boxen so technically I can do everything remotely.
Occasionally I take the laptop and stand by the window, where a platform serves as my "standing desk"
[+] [-] mahmud|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] viraptor|16 years ago|reply
Otherwise - laptop... Strangely the best code I've written / I work quickest on a laptop in travel (on a bus / train / plane...) I guess I just get rid of all distractions and working there is actually better than any alternative :)
[+] [-] elai|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] Subgun|16 years ago|reply
initial concept is pen and paper while out of office usually (i.e beach or cafe or somewhere casual) Develop concept and initial code is usually on laptop Final development and refinement on desktop
[+] [-] dpcan|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] joelthelion|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] fredjean|16 years ago|reply